Refreshment

Ever feel like you might like to run away from life, for just a little bit?  To go to a place where it's quiet and serene, where the winds of this hectic world don't blow in any more problems to solve...or situations to deal with...or behaviors to figure out?  This big ole world is fraught with all the above, and I for one would LIKE to be in the doldrums for just a little bit.  What about you?

I  once heard a teacher explain the doldrums.  It's a sailing term, and it's not a desirable place when a sailor is dependent upon the winds to get him where he needs to go.  Being in the doldrums could be aggravating at best, or even life-threatening, when out on the open seas.  If there for extended periods of time, one could perish from dehydration, sun exposure, etc.  Sailors need the winds to blow; thus, the doldrums are a big negative in the sailing world. 

We humans, however, sometimes need a break from the situations that try to zap our strength and keep us from being our best.  It might be something big...something serious...something tragic...something devastating.  Those are the biggies of life, and for those in that situation, just getting through, just hanging on, is very hard.  Those folk need a break...respite...shelter...broad wings under which to hide, strong shoulders on which to lean.  They need friends who understand, compassion, kindness, respect, unconditional love that brings peace and hope.

Then there are those of us who seem to be plagued with "little foxes that spoil the vine:"  an accumulation of less serious barbs, but strength-sapping ones at that...perhaps it's strained relationships among friends, misunderstandings, hurtful comments, feeling of rejection, being in the middle of "the games people play"or any of a myriad of situations which are very uncomfortable.  Dwelling on these can bring about more serious consequences, for worrying usually hurts the hurting way more than solving the problem at hand.  Yes, being able to communicate effectively is certainly far superior to worrying, certainly better than spreading the doom by telling others, dragging others into the pit with you.  Of course,  we all need someone to talk with, and there's nothing at all wrong with bouncing these off others or seeking wise counsel.  We can all use wise, helpful words from a respected mentor who can offer advice and suggestions of ways to deal with difficult persons or situations.  But ultimately, being able to exercise our faith in the One who knows all and sees all from above is the best answer of all.

..."turn to God...that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."  (Acts 3:19) or as The Message puts it, "Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely Jesus."

Now there's the answer!  Whether we are dealing with loss...illness...disappointments of all sizes...challenges that seem daunting and undoable...job stress...money problems...separation from loved ones...or any of the things that the hectic pace of life brings upon us...we can look up and find solace in the storm.  We can sit back, maybe even relax,  with the knowledge and assurance that we are not alone in our struggles, that God-the-all-powerful and all-knowing will provide a way through...a way over life's obstacles.

Maybe we don't have to run away from life afterall!

Bad Words

I was in the second grade at Norris School, the only school in Norris.  It was grades 1-12; it would be another year before Norris Elementary was built and opened.  So we little kids were used to being around big kids.  It was good and bad:  good to be near older brother, good to be near our babysitter, good to know and be known about just about everyone in town.  On the other hand, we little kids were exposed to "language,"  slang, cursing...some of the bad things that some teenagers were prone to say and do.

One fine morning, another child  told me to "shut up!"  Now, that was a bad thing, to the ears of this seven-year-old.  It was a forbidden phrase at our house.  Under no circumstances would we be allowed to say such a thing.  So...I immediately fell into a heap of tears.  Nothing Mrs Gale said or did comforted me.  When all else failed, she sent for my big brother, age 9 1/2, to come comfort Little Nancy.  He did, and I dried up...Such a good brother.

The above situation came to my mind this morning when I read an article entitled, "10 Words Moms Shouldn't Use Around Their Kids."   Here is the list:

1.   Hate - instead say "I don't care for" for "isn't one of my favorites"
2.   Bad  - things we do are "bad" but people aren't
3.   Stupid - no one wants to be called "stupid"
4.   Retard - very demeaning.  And hurtful to those who have challenged children
5.   Gay - the obvious
6.   Shut up - My mother's rule still applies
7.   Dumb - not nice
8.   Loser - don't want to set up self-fulfilling prophecy
9.   No - necessary sometimes but not to be overused
10. God - as in OMG or taken in vain

I think this is a pretty good list.  Just common sense, really.  Hollywood wouldn't agree with any of these, probably.  And we know what a strong influence Hollywood (unfortunately) has on our society.  But as for me, I'm so glad to see the list published and shared on a site seen by many young parents.

Call me old-fashioned.  Fine.  I think this list could rejuvenate an age-old practice of being polite, thoughtful, kind...instead of trendy, aloof, or rude.  We could also teach, "If it's not nice, then don't say it."

Just some thoughts for today from a grandmother who remembers a day in second grade...and who would like to see a little more civility in this big ole world.